Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Orange, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Orange

California
206

Elk Grove is 18% cheaper than Orange.

$2,180/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 3%
$122,229/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 4%
$603,400 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 49%
$2,227/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 7%
177,221
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Elk Grove, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $5,284/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Orange — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Orange?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Orange?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $5,284/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Orange

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City